Who We Are

At  Keith Memorial UMC, we know most people want to be spiritually engaged in their life. In order to do that, they need a healthy and safe place to belong, grow, and serve.

The problem is we are all busy and scattered which makes us feel unfulfilled.  We believe everybody should have a supporting and encouraging spiritual community that they can depend on. 

We understand the challenges our neighbors face in our stressful culture. Which is why we have been sharing the Gospel with and serving the families of our region for over 200 years in a welcoming and positive environment as disciples of Jesus Christ!

 Here’s how we want to help you find your safe place to belong: 

1. Get to know our church community on our website.
2. Click the Plan a Visit button so we can help you have a positive first experience with us,
3. Then we'll help you engage with the groups and teams that fit your needs.

Please check out this website and get started planning your visit to our church. And in the meantime, watch our traditional or contemporary worship services (or both) online on our website. We want to help you find your community where you can thrive.

Our Story

Keith Church was founded in 1824 making it only five years younger than McMinn County itself. The history of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church is deeply intertwined with the development of McMinn County and the lineage of the Keith and Fore families, who provided both the spiritual foundation and physical resources for the congregation.

Originally established on the Tennessee frontier when churches were desperately needed for the influx of settlers, the church transitioned through several denominations and four physical structures, eventually becoming a pillar of community service in Athens.

The church has endured for over 200 years; surviving the tumult of the American Civil War, a disastrous 1947 Christmas Day fire, and leading the way for the peaceful integration of McMinn County schools. Throughout its long history Keith Memorial has been committed to serving and loving the people of this community.

Mission Statement of the United Methodist Church

Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!

As a Christian community we believe:

 in God, revealed through scripture as the trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three in one;

 that all people are sinful and in need of forgiveness, redemption, and salvation through Jesus Christ;

 that we experience this salvation by grace through faith;

 that we experience God’s love through the activity of the Holy Spirit, both in our personal lives and in the life of our faith community;

 that believers will share in Jesus Christ’s resurrection and be raised to eternal life; and

 that the Holy Bible is authoritative in matters of faith.

Learn more about the United Methodist Church

Our Team

Keith UMC’s Rich History

Keith Memorial’s 200 year history is a strong foundation as we continue to lead and serve in the Athens and McMinn County community. Check out a couple of videos that give you a glimpse of our story.

We hope you enjoy this special presentation by our local historian Sally Ealy who spoke at the Heritage Museum during the History For Lunch Lecture Series. Sally shares some of the history of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church and the Keith Family.

Enjoy this video which was originally created to commemorate the 175th Anniversary of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church in 1999.